Department of Defense

Interested in partnering with DoD? Each DoD Service and Component develops SBIR and STTR topics aligned with their missions and the critical technology areas. 

Services

Department of Defense

Interested in partnering with DoD? Each DoD Service and Component develops SBIR and STTR topics aligned with their missions and the critical technology areas. 

Unlocking Success in Phase I & II

We support your company throughout the entire process.

Phase I

Phase I is focused on concept development and feasibility. 

  • Fully understanding the end user’s problem.
  • Clearly articulating how your innovative solution meets the warfighter’s needs.
  • Demonstrating the technical feasibility of integrating your solution into the end user’s mission .
  • Conducting customer discovery to identify additional stakeholders. 
  • Period of Performance: 6 months (SBIR) and 1 year (STTR).
  • Award Maximum: $75K (SBIR) and $250K (STTR) 
  • Contract Focus: Conducting Technical Feasibility 
  • Deliverables: Preliminary & final reports 
  • Preparation: Phase II application 
  • Objective: Secure a DAF Customer & End User’s signed Customer Memorandum for the Phase II proposal 
  • Period of Performance: 3 months 
  • Award Maximum: $75K (SBIR) and $110K (STTR) 
  • Contract Focus: Conducting Technical Feasibility 
  • Deliverables: Preliminary & final reports 
  • Preparation: Phase II application 
  • Objective: Secure a DAF Customer & End User’s signed Customer Memorandum for the Phase II proposal 
  1. Identify the Right Opportunity: We help you assess your project’s fit and select the most suitable SBIR/STTR solicitation. DoD usually has two deadlines per year, we preprare your project to be submitted in one of those.
  2. Secure Registrations: We guide you through the process of obtaining all necessary registrations, including SAM.gov, to ensure you’re eligible to apply.
  3. Proposal Writing: Our dedicated team—consisting of a scientific writer and a Senior Innovation Consultant—works closely with you to craft a compelling and compliant Phase I proposal.
  4. Proposal Submission: We manage the entire submission process to make sure everything is delivered accurately and on time.
  5. Prepare for Phase II: For DoD proposals, we support you in identifying and securing a DoD stakeholder (end customer) required to advance to Phase II.

Phase II

Phase II supports prototype creation and further research. Funding is contingent on the results of Phase I and the scientific, technical, and commercial potential of the proposed Phase II project.

  • In-depth project analysis 

  • Assistance in developing the work plan 

  • Writing and submission of the Phase II proposal 

  • Pre-award activities 

  • Relationship management support with Federal Program Managers before and during Phase II 

  • Setup and support with the Payment Management System 

  • Accounting support throughout Phase II 

  • Refine and Expand Your Proposal

  • Demonstrate Technical Maturity

  • Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships

  • Develop a Commercialization Strategy

  • Position for Phase III Transition
  • Period of Performance: 21 months 
  • Award Maximum: $1.25M
  • Performance Period: 18 months of technical work and 3 months for final reporting.
  • Contract Focus: Commercialization
  • In some cases, if a technology or concept is sufficiently developed, a Phase I may be unnecessary. In such instances, a company may opt for Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2). 
  • Phase II vs. D2P2: Phase II contracts through AFWERX can be obtained in two ways: 
    • Following a successful Phase I award and completion 
    • Through a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) process when a company has the necessary support and funding to bypass Phase I. 

Book a call with us

And learn if your project is ready for a DoD grant